"Even if you were a human in the past, that doesn't matter anymore, just like your name. You chose to become a Voidspawn," the woman scoffed. "You will receive no thanks from us. You betrayed humanity."

Leo couldn't help but snort. "Betrayed humanity? Are you even hearing yourself? I'm just doing what's necessary to survive." He quirked an eyebrow. "Besides, I don't see 'Human' in your evolution's name either. Hypocrite much?"

The woman in the lead growled while many others raised their weapons a bit. He didn't even blink at the new threat; they were already aiming their bows at him the moment he landed on the street.

Nyx, be ready just in case. If this escalates, I will have a job for you.

'Understood.'

"Filth!" The leader spat. "Don't you dare compare yourself to us. We are the chosen ones of the Light. We have ascended while you allowed the Void to claim your life. We are not the same!"

Leo rolled his eyes. "Do you even hear yourself? Stop being so dramatic." He shook his head. "Ah, whatever. You wanted to talk. Let's talk. I even have a question for you. You can hate what I became later."

The entire group bristled, but no one attacked. In comparison to his first meeting with Holden's party, at least he didn't have to fend off any arrows yet. However, he was pretty sure that would change soon. Unlike Clara, the people before didn't seem too friendly.

Oh well, I should be fine now. He noted, feeling the growing Essence reserves in his soul. No idea if I can defeat them, but I can definitely escape.

"Lower your hood, beast!" The woman shouted again, ignoring most of what he said. "No more words will be exchanged between us until you do so."

Leo sighed. Was it really too much to ask for another normal group? He really got spoiled by Holden and the others. Now, he only hoped that not all survivors would be like this.

"As you wish." And so, with a mock bow, he lowered the hood, watching as their eyes grew wide. "Satisfied? I know I'm not winning any beauty contests. No need to rub it in. Now, can we skip the theatrics? I'm looking for someone and would be grateful if you could tell me if you know them."

Instead of answering him, the entire group exchanged a few looks. Some nodded while others only tensed. Finally, the woman in the lead turned back to him with an expression even less welcoming than before.

Great. He pursued his lips. I don't think I'm getting any information from them. Better get ready for the inevitable.

Just as a weak Reinforcement began to thrum quietly beneath his skin, the leader spoke up. "Voidspawn! We're offering you a chance to stand down and surrender! Allow us to cleanse your soul from the wretched curse that you've allowed to spread. It will be quick and painless. That I swear on the Light."

Leo blinked and then blinked again. There was just no way he heard her right. He had to wonder just what kind of a mental asylum she and her group escaped if they thought this was normal. Hell, he had become an Akirian in this short time, and his mind was in a better state.

"Yeah, how about no," he chuckled. "I didn't come this far just so just a bunch of mentally ill idiots can kill me. I think I'm just gonna leave. It was a pleasure."

Before he could even move, the woman scowled. "So be it."

At once, at least four arrows shot toward him, followed by small golden missiles of pure energy. Leo clicked his tongue, and as he dashed forward, the cloak on his body disappeared, returning to the safety of his soulscape.

While every arrow flew above his head, he activated Valron Protection and clashed it against one of the missiles. The projectile splashed against the barrier, draining a chunk of his Essence away. Definitely not a good sign if he wanted to withstand more of those hits.

Bloody light affinity. Shit's at least as strong as my shadows...

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

He weaved between another salvo and pounced towards the nearest Emmisarry. The male fighter already had his glowing sword ready, but before they could even clash, a white, transparent barrier exploded between them, blocking Leo's empowered strike.

He scowled and jumped away as a particularly large missile headed for him. It erupted in the place he just vacated, blowing up the ground.

Yeah, I definitely don't want to get hit by those. He noted, gathering more Essence in his body. It enveloped his entire form, giving birth to a Decoy within a second. The illusion clone darted in the opposite direction, straight for a duo of archers in the distance.

Distract!

As the decoy left him, Leo fuelled more power into Reinforcement and went straight for the leader herself. Another barrier stopped his approach, but this time, he answered with his own affinity, summoning a dozen spears for the clash.

At first, the barrier seemed to hold, but with another push, it shattered into pieces, a loud gasp coming from someone in the back. Not that he cared much for it, as he rushed the woman, his blades ready to taste her blood.

Somehow, she managed to raise her two golden daggers just in time to block his attack. She grimaced visibly under the strain, and maybe, if not for another volley of arrows, Leo could have overpowered her. Unfortunately, he had to dance away, releasing another decoy as the sudden onslaught became a bit too much.

Shit. He winced when one of the arrows grazed his shoulder. It stung as hell, burning the exposed flesh. That's gonna leave a mark.

'Leo! Why are you not running?!' Nyx shouted over their link, almost making him step into another arrow.

Calm down. I have everything under control. He replied just as the ground in front of him exploded again. Each time he tried to get close, another barrier would pop out, or a salvo of projectiles would interrupt him. Those people knew how to cover each other's backs. And all of that without uttering a single word.

'It sure doesn't look like it. Just get out, or I'm stepping in. You're getting carried away.'

Don't. He growled, leaning away from a crescent wave of golden Essence that one of the warriors sent at him. I'm just practicing and gathering information... and, well, teaching them a lesson.

'Leo...'

Enough. He ordered. Stay back and wait for my retreat. Once I do that, gather what we need from the corpse.

'I... As you wish.' She hissed back, evidently not happy.

Sorry, but there's just no time for arguing here. We will talk later. With that, the link between them closed, giving him a chance to once more focus fully on the battle.

Let's kick it up a notch, shall we?

The bloodlust waiting in his mind was let loose as a fresh wave of power filled his body. Leo grinned and summoned multiple small shadow orbs around him, filling them with as much rage and hunger as he could. Then he shot them into the air, letting gravity claim them as they fell towards the group.

A few shouts finally sounded around the battlefield as all of the Emissaries tried to move away from the descending balls. Most succeeded, managing to escape far enough or hide behind a barrier. Two of them weren't as lucky. They screamed as Eruption within the orbs activated releasing a few tiny shadow tendrils that went righ for their bodies.

The attack was far from lethal; Leo didn't have enough time and Essence to spare for it, but it still gave him something he needed very much.

An opportunity. A perfect distraction.

Faster than any of the Emmisaires could react, he closed the distance between him and the woman in the lead. She still tried to raise her dagger to block, but he slapped it away and let his other blade do the rest of the job.

It descended towards the woman's arm, cutting through the flesh almost at the shoulder. The unprotected skin stood no chance, and within a blink, the limb fell to the ground as blood sprouted out like a fountain.

As a final goodbye, Leo spun around and slapped the woman with his tails. She tumbled away, screaming all the while as her other hand went to grasp the bleeding stump.

This got all the other Emissaries moving, as most attacked him with reckless abandon while one went to assist their leader. Arrows, missiles, and waves of golden energy descended upon his position.

Yeah, I think not. He snorted and summoned forth most of his remaining Essence.

A huge wall of shadows clashed against the light, and while the latter finally punched through after a moment, it didn't matter any longer. Leo had already backed off, climbing the nearest building within seconds.

A few of the Emissaries looked like they wanted to follow, but another series of screams and shouts had them rushing back to the group. They must have recognized that the life of their leader and teammates had to be more important than chasing after a 'Voidspawn.'

Leo shook his head as he watched the quickly retreating group from his perch.

Hopefully, this will teach you something. And if not... well, that ain't my problem. You brought this upon yourself. Hypocrites...

However, as he saw their disappearing forms, a frown spread over his face.

Did I really get carried away? Nah, no way.